Israeli Minister Threatens Resignation Over Ceasefire Deal

Israeli Interior Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has threatened to resign from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government if a proposed ceasefire deal with Hamas and a prisoner release agreement are accepted. He describes the deal as a dangerous capitulation, asserting that it would undermine the sacrifices made by IDF soldiers during the conflict and effectively surrender to Hamas. Ben-Gvir, along with Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, opposes the agreement, arguing that it would release numerous Hamas terrorists without ensuring the complete release of Israeli hostages. Despite Ben-Gvir's strong objections, the majority of ministers are expected to support the ceasefire deal, which has garnered broad public backing in Israel. The United States, Qatar, and Egypt are mediating the ceasefire negotiations, which could be finalized soon. Families of some hostages are concerned that the phased nature of the deal may result in only a partial release of detainees.